Welcome back to our weekly NMF roundup. Here's what we think you should be listening to this week!

Dance You Outta My Head - Cat Janice

IYL: CUBBY, Paris Paloma, CHINCHILLA, corook

Alt-pop singer Cat Janice is a force to be reckoned with. Her ethereal voice and groovy lyrics have captivated audiences nationwide, but it's her personal battle with cancer that truly sets her apart. Having battling the disease for 2 years, Cat has channeled her experiences into her music, infusing her art with newfound depth and emotional resonance. Through storytelling over punchy bass lines, her latest work is a raw and vulnerable exploration of life, love, and loss, a testament to her strength and resilience.

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Pools of Colour - junodream

IYL: Chappaqua Wrestling, Wunderhorse, Tempesst, FEET

Out of all the thousands of artists on Spotify, you have made it to us. Nice to meet you. We’re junodream.
We grew up together, becoming friends over our common love of Pink Floyd, Spiritualized, and AIR. We started playing music together and in 2018 we put a name to it. junodream was born.
We play dream rock and we write about alienation in the 21st century. But don’t worry, our songs are somewhere in the middle of sad and uplifting. Welcome aboard, it's just the beginning.

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can we start over - Charlotte Sands

IYL: Hot Milk, Marisa Maino, Stand Atlantic

Charlotte Sands isn’t afraid to speak or play loud. Raised on the pop-punk bands of the early 2000s and rooted in the storytelling of folk singer/songwriters, Sands combines upbeat melodies with unabashedly honest, self-reflective lyrics.
In November of 2020, she leaked a song called "Dress" that she wrote about Harry Styles wearing a dress on the cover of Vogue. Within hours, the song became an anthem of self-expression for thousands (now, millions) of listeners across the globe.


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The electric-blue-haired singer/songwriter’s musical career didn’t start with the overnight success of a viral song. At 18, she stole her mom's car, found a roommate on Craigslist, and left her home in Hopkinton, MA for Nashville, TN, with a plan to take a year off of school before attending Berklee College of Music. She never went back.

She then dropped 7 singles from her bedroom during lockdown in 2020 and has since bulked up her catalog with captivating songs and collabs that her fans can’t get enough of. Dubbed an “unstoppable force” by Alternative Press, Sands has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

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Sands’ personal mission to “create a safe space for people to feel accepted and celebrated for their weirdness and diversity” is something she takes seriously. As evident by the overwhelmingly positive comments that flood her social media, her fans take pride in championing her as they recognize how she champions them.

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Passing Ships - Ethel

IYL: Nina Versyp, ILLAJOY, Golvendans

thanks 4 stopping by <3

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It's OK to Cry - Ricky Montgomery

IYL: Beach Bunny, Cavetown, mxmtoon

Music always lures Ricky Montgomery back. He blames the internet. First a devotee of the Vine underground, and now—nearly a decade and several jobs later—an unexpected hitmaker, the Los Angeles native has spent the last few years trying to reconcile with his artist self. He recently surpassed 1 billion global streams thanks to Platinum indie-pop hits “Mr. Loverman” and “Line Without a Hook.” But those songs, written when he was a teen, have come to feel like they were by a whole other person—at least to Ricky. In 2023, we get to meet Rick, a sophomore set that comes seven years later, rich with electro-laced, emo-tinged alt-pop that spins stories about life in all its messy and mundane glory. Ricky's journey fits the bill: a childhood in L.A. interrupted by divorce, an adolescence playing in the basement bands of suburban Missouri, a viral explosion on a soon-to-implode platform, and a brief music career back on the West Coast that sent his songs up the Rock and Alternative charts. That was in 2014, before life intervened and he quit music for good… until the world discovered his sunny, sardonic songs. With millions of social  followers and a string of sold-out tours under his belt, Ricky now sets out to document "my long, awkward path toward remembering myself as an artist," he says. "It’s been embarrassing and difficult, but also thrilling. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted to do but was too scared to try.” 

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Better is the End - TopHouse

IYL: The National Parks, The 502s, Daniel Nunnelee

TopHouse was created in 2015 by two Montana music majors, guitarist/songwriter Jesse Davis and violinist William Cook before adding Joseph Larson (lead singer and guitar/banjo player,) and Andy LaFave (piano) in 2017 and 2022 respectively. After being vaulted to local fame in their birthplace of Missoula, with the Missoulian naming TopHouse one of the top 5 best new bands (two years in a row we might add), the band moved to Nashville, TN in October of 2019. TopHouse quickly set to work attaining a local residency as well as getting music played on Nashville’s premier new-music radio station Lightning 100. The band’s releases include the EP Middle of Somewhere, albums Hopes & Fears and Snapshot, The Irish EP, and their latest release, Campfire Stories. When they aren’t touring the U.S. and performing in festivals such as the Bitterroot and Flathead Celtic Festivals or Red Ants Pants Festival they can be found around Nashville, TN trying not to die in traffic and/or throwing the occasional round of disc golf. 
 “Absolutely magnificent” - Joe Larson, singer “They were actually kinda good” -Jesse’s co-workers “You’re better than that violinist” - Jesse, to William, about TopHouse’s violinist William

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Side Effects - House Parties

IYL: Cleveland Avenue, Penny Bored, Chaney Elaine

House Parties is a powerhouse band of kickass energy consisting of members Chaney Elaine (vocals), Spencer Trinidad (guitar), and Wesley K. Jones (drums). Teaming up with producer Seth Henderson (State Champs, Knuckle Puck, Real Friends) and frontman Derek DiScanio (State Champs) to bring you the band's heaviest and anger-inducing single “Mid-Life Crisis” — the fed-up anthem about feeling like your entire world is falling apart in your twenties causing you to just breakdown and cry in your car. Their debut single, “Braindead”, from signing with Equal Vision Records, is a fast-paced banger that will make you want to headbang until your head falls off. This song is for anyone who knows someone who's dumb. This electric band is best known for their catchy track "CAUTIOUS" -- the song about facing the paranoia that people are out to get you and bring you down while struggling to live this giant thing we call life. The band wants to bring you back with a nostalgic taste from the 2010’s with a modern twist. They continue to write relatable lyrics and catchy melodies that you can angrily finger-point to. 


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something in the water - That Band Honey

IYL: Seventh Wave, Jeremy Shada, valentine cy

A boy band from LA.

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catacombs - Krooked Kings

IYL: The Moss, Pretty Jane, Night Cap, DWLLRS

5 dudes, 1 band, 0 talent

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TWENTYSOMETHING & Drag Your Feet - talker

IYL: Dan Sadin, Desperate Hausewives, Fiona Grey, Lauren Reiner

Glittery indie rock✨

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Pick Me - Alex Benjamin

IYL: Sasha Alex Sloan, Tate McRae, Cavetown

Having come a long way from the days of promoting his music in parking lots of concert venues, singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin ended 2021 by playing to sold-out crowds across North America. With him, Alec brought on the road an already impressive resumé having reached 4B+ global streams, 10M+ social media followers across his platforms, 70M+ in playlist reach, and 1B+ YouTube views on his channel. Following successes such as “Let Me Down Slowly” (Double-Platinum), “Water Fountain” (Platinum), and “Oh My God” (Gold), the self-made storyteller looks to continue to prove himself as, what TIME calls “a pop storyteller for the next generation.” More recently, Alec released his sophomore album (Un)Commentary in April 2022. With new tracks such as “The Way You Felt,” “Older,” “Shadow Of Mine,” and “Speakers” which have combined for over 100 million streams, Alec delivered powerful performances of each song on The Late Late Show with James Corden, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show respectively. Alec looks to continue his retrospective run of new music into 2022 and show his fans and the world, why PAPER Magazine hailed him as “a storyteller who's mastered the art of turning everyday heartbreak into compelling pop songs."

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Find My Way - Ships Have Sailed

IYL: Robert Sammon, Random Acts of Kindness, Jakke

Ships Have Sailed is the brainchild of vocalist/guitarist Will Carpenter. The band materialized after a hesitant decision to individually focus on new music. The process was initially daunting but the risk proved to be invigorating and refreshing. The music became uplifting and buoyant. The lyrics revealed a thoughtful and conscientious perspective. And the sound evolved into sincere indie rock with an unabashed pop structure. After sharing it with fellow musicians, Carpenter recruited a lineup that now permanently includes drummer Art Andranikyan.

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Call Me Later - The Foxies

IYL: Cowboy Mugshot, Ethan Sak, Jack Shields

The full-length debut from The Foxies, Who Are You Now, Who Were You Then? is the sound of a band boldly embracing their wildest and most unpredictable impulses. The Nashville-based power trio of vocalist Julia Lauren Bullock, guitarist Jake Ohlbaum, and drummer Rob Bodley are a decidedly DIY-minded band. The Foxies infuse their songs with equal parts raw emotion and a musical sophistication that comes from years of devotion to their craft.
Over the last few years, The Foxies have released a steady stream of EPs and standalone singles, in addition to bringing their high-energy live show to a 2021 tour with rock-and-roll legend Billy Idol. With the arrival of their most dynamic body of work to date, all three members feel more driven than ever when it comes to fulfilling their mission as a band.

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Open Up - ICYDAY

ICYDAY is a group made of three long time friends based in Los Angeles, California. Their music consists of pop, r&b, singer/songwriter, and even a bit of cinematic. Growing up with their own musical backgrounds, they each bring a unique perspective to the creative process. Most importantly, they are so grateful that they are able to make music with their best friends every day.

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Devil is Sly - Botanical Animal

IYL: Basement Waves, RIP Cassette, RALLY, Samuel Charles

turn up the mischief, stop whenever you’d like

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Cut Ya Loose - Emi Grace

IYL: Changeline, JonesJrr, Venjent, Ethan Bortnick

Pioneer of ‘Trashy Tone Thursday,’ 21 year-old Emi Grace is known for fusing rock, electronic & mind-bending guitar elements to create a sound of her own. Raised in Southern California currently residing in Los Angeles - Emi pulls influence from Tom Morello, No Doubt & Van Halen to craft her distinct genreless music. From shows at School Night to The Troubadour, Emi continues to make a name for herself around the LA music scene as well as supporting other acts as a guitarist on national tours. Whether it’s hard hitting dance grooves or head-banging guitar riffs, you never know what Emi has in her pocket to keep her fans on the edge of their seats.

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Candyman - Flyana Boss

IYL: Doechii, King Kitty, Baby Storme, hemlock springs

Two besties, one duo! Reporting to you live from LA.

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I Told You So - Briston Maroney

IYL: Del Water Gap, The Backseat Lovers, flipturn, Arlie

love you

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Anyone Else In the Room - Late Night Thoughts

IYL: Noah Kahan, Mumford & Suns, The Head And The Heart, The Paper Kites

Meet Michael and Brian.
Forged in the fires of Summer campgrounds and the cold winters of the North East, they’re just a couple of silly Brooklyn boys, making music and enjoying the ups and downs of early adulthood.
Their strangely symbiotic style has led to the unique blending of singer-songwriter sound with folk-pop production. Shoot them a message on social media so you can gab about life and music. *For real though, we will message you back because we love talking to our fans!*

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Nuclear Kittens - Pomplamoose

IYL: Nataly Dawn, Scary Pockets, Vulfpeck

Jack Conte & Nataly Dawn make music together and with their friends. Nous sommes Pomplamoose. Pomplamoose.com for merch, shows, music, videos etc. Gros bisous :*

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Die Hard - Stela Cole

IYL: Cloudy June, emlyn, TIMMS

Old Habits Die Hard

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Dangerous Game - Blu DeTiger

IYL: Remi Wolf, spill tab, MICHELLE, Claud

hellooooo I make music 💙🦋🌟❤️‍🔥🧚‍♀️

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Flip the Switch - Asher Angel

IYL: Matt Sato, Hayden Summerall, Carson Lueders

Singer/songwriter, guitarist, and actor Asher Angel made his teenage debut in 2017 with the upbeat pop/rock ditty "Snow Globe Wonderland." Born in Paradise Valley, Arizona, the young Angel honed his acting chops with local community theater roles before moving to Los Angeles, where he was cast on the Disney Channel show Andi Mack. In late 2017, "Snow Globe Wonderland" was released in conjunction with the Disney Channel's Holiday Celebration special. ~ Neil Z. Yeung, Rovi

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Coming Home Song - Sammy Rae & the Friends

IYL: Couch, Melt, Lawrence, Sir Woman

The mantra of the Friends? 
 Go put a smile on somebody's face, go tell somebody they've got a place in this world, go tell somebody you wanna be friends with them. 
 For as much as Sammy Rae & The Friends may be a band, this collective of, dreamers, and artists considers itself a family first. Fronted by singer and songwriter Sammy Rae, the group flourishes in any spotlight with a combination of all-for-one and one-for-all camaraderie, palpable chemistry, deft virtuosity, and vocal fireworks. Their sound is a mélange of Sammy’s influences, rooted in classic rock, folk, and funk and sprinkled with soul and jazz. Complete with a rhythm section, horn section, and keyboards, Sammy Rae & The Friends deliver their high-energy, spirited and unrestrained shows to sold-out audiences in the U.S. and beyond.

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Lizzy and The Palm - Lizzy and the Palm

IYL: John Roseboro, Rocky Angelini, Crafted Child, Sadie

100 year old philosopher trapped inside a zillenial

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Unloveable - Jenny Stenger

IYL: Infinite Kamikaze, Mom Cars, Grace Enger

In the heart of the “sad girl” pop scene, Jenny Stenger emerges as a captivating voice, sharing her journey through songs that resonate with authenticity. Jenny makes music that speaks to complex human emotions and experiences, hoping that sharing her own story can help others feel less alone. Hailing from a small town in California that serves as the bedrock of her inspiration, Jenny's musical roots trace back to her early days, when she self-taught basic chords on her sister's keyboard at the age of 13. Transitioning from cover songs to improvising melodies and crafting full-fledged compositions, Jenny's artistic evolution embodies relatability and vulnerability. Taking cues from her musical influences like Gracie Abrams and Olivia Rodrigo, Jenny Stenger aspires to create raw and truthful music that resonates with listeners on a deep, emotional level. Her debut album, Trying My Best, released in November 2022, explores themes of unrequited love, jealousy, and mental illness, firmly establishing her mark on the industry. Jenny's signature style, marked by soulful vocals and thoughtful compositions, sets her apart in the "sad girl” pop scene. Described as creating "lush lovelorn pop" by Grimy Goods, Jenny skillfully navigates the nuances of falling in love, showcasing her ability to convey the simultaneous euphoria and apprehension of new relationships. Her introspective lyrics, coupled with her vulnerable voice, echo with listeners, offering solace in shared experiences.

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Lovesick - Jenna Raine

IYL: Dylan Conrique, Sadie Jean, Ashley Kutcher, Jordi

Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jenna Raine has won over supporters across the globe with her sweetly expressive vocals and magnetic stage presence. Her single “see you later (ten years)” has transformed from a gorgeously stripped-back, introspective song that she wrote alone at her piano into a massively beloved anthem of healing and hope. Born during her personal quest to write 100 songs during lockdown, “see you later (ten years)” immediately went viral on TikTok where Jenna now has more than 1.4 million followers. The poignant piano ballad took on a life of its own, with hundreds of thousands of videos created that share stories of struggles, heartbreak and resilience using the powerful lyric “this isn’t goodbye, this is simply a see you later.” Upon its official release, the song quickly rose to #1 on Spotify’s Global and US Viral Charts, racking up more than 33 million streams and earning radio support, debuting on Billboard’s Adult Top 40 Chart.